Electronic – A probably very easy Op-Amp Analysis

operational-amplifier

schematic

simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab

Original schematic

Could anyone offer some insight on how to solve this circuit? What I've been doing so far, is only producing a wrong answer… I've been getting that V_A = 15 (which is wrong). Also I think V+ is = 0 since the node below 3 ohm is grounded…
Any help on how to start solving this?

Best Answer

Here is some insight. The + input of the op-amp is grounded, and the negative feedback action has the effect of keeping the - input of the op-amp at the same voltage as the + input. So the - input is a virtual ground.

You can solve this by pretending that the op-amp is not there, and then solving the remaining network of resistors and current source by finding the value of \$V_o\$ which is necessary for the junction between the \$3\Omega\$ and \$2\Omega\$ resistors to be at zero volts.

The easiest way to do this is to pretend that the junction is actually grounded (not simply at 0V potential). Determine how much current is dumped into that ground through the \$2\Omega\$ resistor. But then, recognize that there is no ground there and so the current flowing toward that node actually returns via the \$3\Omega\$ feedback resistor.

The current across the feedback resistor gives you a straightforward way to determine the voltage across that resistor, which directly determines \$V_o\$.